LORATADINE (Claritin) is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Loratadine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. It is also used to treat skin hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions.
LORATADINE (Alavert™, Claritin®, Claritin® Reditab, Claritin® Hives Relief) is an antihistamine. It relieves the symptoms of hay fever (sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes), and can also treat hives and associated itching of the skin.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
asthma
kidney disease
liver disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to loratadine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take loratadine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. You may take this medicine with food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
If you are taking Claritin® Reditabs or Alavert™: Place the tablet on your tongue, allow to dissolve completely and then swallow. You can take the Claritin® Reditabs or Alavert™ tablets with or without water.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine may be used in children as young as 6 years old; younger children can receive the syrup form of this medicine.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double doses.
What drug(s) may interact with loratadine?
certain antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin)
medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
In addition, the following medicines can make you feel drowsy:
alcohol
barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam, or temazepam
medicines for hay fever and other allergies such as antihistamines
medicines for mental problems, including anxiety, depression and psychotic disturbances
medicines for pain
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or
health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking loratadine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
unusual restlessness or nervousness in children
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
dry mouth
headache
tiredness or drowsiness
What should I watch for while taking loratadine?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 1 to 2 days.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how loratadine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature or between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F). Keep the Claritin® Reditabs in the foil pouch until ready to use. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
A generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. By extension, therefore, generics are assumed to be identical in dose, strength, route of administration, safety, efficacy, and intended use.
Facts about generic drugs
It is the chemical compound that makes up drug.
It is manufactured in strict compliance within th FDA guidelines.
It costs less because they don't have to spend R&D advertising.
It works identical to brand name Drugs to treat a medical condition.
Generic drugs generally cost 30-50% less then the equivalent.
Half of all prescription drugs have generic equivalents.
By asking your pharmacist for generics, you may save a lot.
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